Age spots, also known as solar lentigo, senile lentigo, solar lentigines, sun spots and liver spots are those flat brown patches of skin that show up on areas of the body that are frequently exposed to the sun. Common places to find them are the face, arms and the back of the hands. They can also have a black or gray appearance as well. Age spots are common and are most often considered a sign of aging. They can appear as a single mark or in clusters. Unlike in the past when they were considered to be a signal that the liver was not healthy, today we understand that this is not so.
Age spots can range in size from a small freckle to as much as one half-inch across. These dark spots on the skin are not dangerous, but they can be unattractive, and they will not go away on their own. They can be prevented however, but if they have already made their appearance, there are a variety of treatments to make them disappear.
Prevention Is The Best Age Spot Treatment
Even though there may be a genetic connection when it comes to developing age spots that does not mean that you cannot do something to prevent them from occurring in the first place. The most important thing you can do is to reduce your exposure to the sun, or at least wear high SPF containing sun screen or long sleeves and pants and perhaps a hat when you are going to be spending time outdoors. You should even protect your skin when you are in the car since most car glass does not offer protection.
Age Spot Removal Options
Since many of us forget to follow precautions when we’re outdoors, there is still hope for reducing or getting rid of age spots altogether. Here’s a list of the many products that are available when treating these unsightly spots.
- Age spot cream: This type of bleaching cream can be found at the local neighborhood pharmacy as an over-the-counter treatment. While it could take several months to fade the unwanted spot, users should be aware that the area around the spot may be bleached out more than the spot which will serve to accentuate the dark spot.
- Cryotherapy: Some people call this a freezing treatment because it uses liquid nitrogen or another such agent which is applied right to the spot to help destroy the dark skin cells. There is a slight risk of discoloration and scarring using this method.
- Dermabrasion: This treatment is a process of sanding down the layer of surface skin where the age spot is located. Since the skin is wounded during this process, it will take a few days to complete before new skin growth is accomplished.
- Laser treatments: Laser treatments, or photofacial treatments, are one of the most effective of the recognized treatments for removing age spots, but it can be very expensive. To be the most effective though, repeated treatments are typically needed.
- Chemical peels: A resurfacing treatment that is known to fade the appearance of age spots. This treatment uses acid to burn off the outer or epidermis layer of the skin. Once the old skin is peeled away a new layer of skin will slowly appear. It takes several treatments to remove age spots when applied in a targeted manner.
- High-quality anti aging creams: Certain anti aging creams such as LifeCell help to protect the skin from signs of aging in the future. They can also dramatically improve the appearance of photo-damaged skin, and diminish the appearance of age-spots. LifeCell cream in particular works to nourish the skin, plumping up wrinkles, reducing dark circles and puffiness under the eyes and filling in the lines around the lips. Creams have the advantage of being safe, with little to no side effects as opposed to some of the other treatment methods.
Finally, some people choose to use home remedies as they do their best to erase the effects of age spots on the skin. Home remedy treatments include placing lemon or potato slices over the age spots several times each day to bleach the skin. Vitamin E, and rubbing the spot with a mixture of apple cider vinegar (ACV) and believe it or not, onion juice, are also treatments that some swear by as an effective treatment. Just be aware that the ingredients may cause allergic reactions and skin irritation so use caution when trying them out.
Age spot removal is possible, but it’s not always a quick process. As a general rule, if your age spots are mild to moderate a cream or gentle treatment might be the best option. On the other hand, if your skin discoloration is severe, a visit with your dermatologist is probably in order.
Tags: age spot cream, age spot removal, age spot treatment, age spots, liver spots, skin discoloration, sun spots
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